As I suspected very dozy on the plane. Stopped in Dusseldorf, found an airport cafe for lunch. A roll with ham and sauerkraut and an apple-cake which looked very german. cappuccino to keep me awake. After this I was down to about E5 in cash. I wandered down to the gate and rearranged by bag so I would have what I wanted easy to access ( & probably to fill in time). Plane was delayed about 1/2 hr. the chap next to me was snoring. Eventually we were on our way - I barely made it thru the safety announcement before nodding off. Must have slept close to an hour and woke refreshed. I could see everyone had had their snack/drink. The air steward approached me to see if there was anything I wanted and I got a coffee.

We flew in thick cloud and landed in rain. no huge long queues as in heathrow but a bit of a wait since almost everyone seemed to have gone on a break together

There were Robin and Jerry waiting. Unfortunately the delay in my flight had pushed us most definitely into rush hour traffic so it was a bit slow going for a while. Just as we neared Derby we started to see some patches of blue sky. We even had a brief glimpse of some sunshine in Robs kitchen.

Pip was there - lovely to see her - big hugs. Mim sent robin a txt to say hello to me. I dug out some pressies which went down well. Meg the dog is starting to look very old. She is fairly deaf and stiff and more lately has been very picky with her food.

Then pizza for tea. Jerry was shortly to head out for another airport run (this time to Birmingham to pick up Kirsten). Steve arrived just as I was leaving.

Rob and Jerry have arranged for me to stay with Kathy as Mim not yet ready for another body in the house. I don't know if I will see her while I am here or not just play it by ear.

Kathy is lovely - I met her last time I was here. I was introduced to her cat Harry, and another cat Tom who just wanders in and makes himself at home. Its now Saturday morning - lovely sleep in comfy bed but still woke earlier than I would like at around 6, tried to go back to sleep for about 1/2 hr then gave up.

Rob said to ring her when I got up and she will come and get me. so my UK adventure begins.